The school year is winding down and that can only mean one thing: my home will be filled with children all day long.

Between running from practices, camps, playdates and the pool, things can get a little hectic in the summertime.

Along with all that busyness comes hungry children. So, I love to whip up easy and nutritious snacks that we can enjoy all week long. I love portable snacks so thatI can grab them when we’re on the way out the door and of course they have to be delicious.

These Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars hit the spot. They’re packed full of good grains, hearty nuts and dried cherries to give them extra sweetness with no added sugar. My kids and husband love them!

Cheerios have been a part of our family for years. I remember eating them when I was a little kid. The Apple Cinnamon ones were my favorite and now with all the new flavors, it’s hard to pick just one. Although I really love the Multi Grain Cheerios for the added whole grains, vitamins and minerals too!

Right now, Cheerios has specially marked boxes for a Buy One, Give One and I have done just that.

I couldn’t have thought of a more deserving person to receive a free box of Cheerios than one of my best friends, Mel.

Mel is a person who is super kind, loving and would go out of her way to do something nice for a friend and it’s time for me to repay the favor.

All year long, she has an in-home daycare where she watches children from the ages of 8 weeks up to school aged children. Not to mention, in the summertime, she also has her 8-year-old son home all day too.

She has hungry mouths to feed from sun up until sun down so I knew she’d be happy to receive a free box of Cheerios (wouldn’t we all?).

However, I’m taking it one step further and giving her a free box of Cheerios and these delicious Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars.

They’re perfect for the kiddos when they need a snack and what kid doesn’t love Cheerios?! Plus, they have delicious dried cherries to give them some added sweetness.

After purchasing Multi Grain Cheerios at Walmart, in the cereal aisle, I rushed home to whip up these Fruit and Nut Cheerios bars. I’ll be hand delivering them to her this week, along with the recipe, so she can make them again, as I know they’ll go quickly in her home.

Instructions

Into a small microwaveable bowl, add peanut butter, maple syrup and coconut oil. Microwave until melted, about 30 seconds.

Pour mixture over Cheerios mixture in bowl and mix to combine.

Place into a parchment lined 13 x 9” pan and place into the refrigerator to harden, about 3 hours.

Slice into bars and serve.

CoursesSnack

CuisineAmerican

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size16 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories273

% Daily Value

Total Fat17 g

26%

Saturated Fat5 g

25%

Sodium89 mg

4%

Total Carbohydrates27 g

9%

Dietary Fiber3 g

12%

Sugars8 g

Protein7 g

14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

As I mentioned before, on specially marked boxes of Cheerios, there’s a Buy One, Give One call-out. After you’ve purchased your box at WalMart, simply enter the code here and gift a box to someone deserving of a free one. It’s THAT easy.

It could be your mom, dad, relative, cousin or best friend, as I’ve done here. No matter who you choose to send a free box of Cheerios to, anyone would be appreciative of such a kind gesture.

I also highly recommend you make these Fruit and Nut Cheerios Bars. They’re super simple, easy and delicious. The whole family will enjoy them and you won’t be able to keep them around for long!